Tech News

Gearing Up For AMD Revision G

Posted on May 24, 2006 11:07 AM by Rob Williams

AMD has brought us Revision F and talked a bit about K8L, but what of the processor gap between AM2 and K8L? AMD’s intermediate 65nm SOI stepping stone is Revision G. The company has taken substantial steps over the last few months to convert Fab 36 to 65nm SOI production, and the company has also announced that Chartered Semiconductor will act as spillover production for 65nm CPUs. Soon, AMD will start putting these resources to use with the second generation DDR2 CPUs.

It looks like only the Dual Cores will be immediately affected, starting off with the 4200+. Low wattage, low heat.. sounds like a winner to me. Check out the full article at DailyTech.

Birthday Bash Giveaway

Posted on May 24, 2006 11:00 AM by Rob Williams

We at Pro-Clockers would like to officially announce our latest give-away. This is our Birthday Bash Give-Away. We have the following companies in aid to support our contest: Scythe, OCZ and Gamerzstuff. And more companies to be added.

Current list of items to be given out: Scythe: Kamariki II 550 watt PSU and Ninja Coolers, OCZ: GameXStream 600 watt PSU, Aerocool: Zerodba 500W, X-fire, Silver lightning fans (one of each size), CoolView-Silver Case, Gamerzstuff: Mousepads

Check out the full contest details at Pro-Clockers.

Driversplanet.com Resurrection

Posted on May 24, 2006 10:59 AM by Rob Williams

SLOVENIA, 19. May 2006 — Driversplanet.com, a web page providing links to device drivers and device information is back. In last couple of months there has been updated over 40.000 new models, and broken links have vanished. Now the database is constantly being updated with new links providing the best possible service to users.

Grats to them on the resurrection! Check out their site at http://driversplanet.com/.

Intel Capital Extends Global Reach Making Portfolio Companies More Successful Around the World

Posted on May 24, 2006 10:51 AM by Rob Williams

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2006 – Intel Capital, the venture capital investment arm of Intel Corporation, has embarked on a bolder, more proactive strategy designed to enhance innovation worldwide by helping its portfolio companies to be more successful through larger investment stakes and more active collaboration.

You can read the full press release here.

Hardware Roundup for May 24

Posted on May 24, 2006 10:50 AM by Rob Williams
    Cases & Enclosures
  • Thermaltake Armor Junior Mid-Tower ATX Case – Big Bruin
  • ThermalTake Matrix VX VD3000 – Fastlane HW
    Cooling
  • Spire Verticool II and DiamondCool II CPU Coolers – 3D Xtreme
  • Thermaltake Symphony Mini – Technic3D
    Etcetera & Contests
  • Contest: Corsair Nautilus 500 External CPU Water Cooling Unit – Big Bruin
  • Disc Makers Pico Automatic CD Replicator – XYZ Computing
  • Get the Most Out of Your PSP: Accessories – Digital Trends
  • Trust GM-5400 – Gaming Objects

AMD AM2 Reviews and Articles from around the web

Posted on May 23, 2006 12:35 PM by Rob Williams

It’s no surprise that AM2 has been launched today, and their are reviews EVERYWHERE. Here are but just a few:

Guru3D: The FX-62 CPU we used today was supplied by AMD (for a couple of days). It’s obviously is a fantastic CPU and even more apparent the fastest available to date. I was surprised that we could easily tweak another 350-400 MHz out of the CPU with just air-cooling. Hey it’s done in seconds with the 590 mainboard (high frequency memory highly recommended here btw). Then there’s that X2 4000+ processor we used. Dang .. it’s a third of the price of that FX-62 yet with performance close to the FX-60 once overclocked.

HardOCP : I personally am going to wait it out a bit with my 4800+ and 2GB of DDR-400. I will build another system this year but I am not sure whether it will be Blue or Green. I do know for sure that if I am building an AMD system here next month, I would very much embrace AMD and DDR2 and move forward with their AM2 processor inside.

Hexus: AMD succeed in taking DDR2 to K8, with an integrated memory controller that’s both very high bandwidth and low latency, allowing AM2 CPUs to match or exceed the performance of their Socket 939 counterparts. That’s the important conclusion to take from the CPU side of things when considering AM2 as a whole.

HotHardware: What AMD has accomplished today is indicative of the evolution and migration of an architecture, that will pave the way for future performance and enhancements. The move to DDR2 memory was inevitable and as future Athlon core architectures evolve, the company will have much needed bandwidth to service ever-hungry dual core processor pipelines.

Bjorn3D: MD has done what we feel to be an outstanding job with the introduction of their socket AM2 lineup. The X2 5000+ we reviewed today completely surprised us from the standpoint of how well it performs, particularly in the realm of memory related benchmarks. We forgot to mention earlier that the X2 5000+ in our test system performed as much as 6-7 degrees Celcius cooler than its FX-60 opponent. This is an 89 watt processor, not the low energy 65 watt version that will be available in the socket AM2 series up through the X2 4800+.

Here are some other related articles from around the web:

  • AMD AM2 5000+/FX62 MSI K9N SLI PLAT – Driver Heaven
  • AMD AM2 FX62 and NVIDIA nForce5 Launch – GamePyre
  • AMD AM2 Platform: Athlon 64 FX-62 Processor Review – PC Per
  • AMD Athlon64 5000+ AM2 – T-Break
  • AMD Athlon64 FX-62 Socket AM2 Review – PC Modding Malaysia
  • AMD Athlon64 X2 5000+/FX62 CPU Review – Motherboards.org
  • AMD Launches The Socket AM2 Platform – Legit Reviews
  • AMD Socket AM2 Family Preview – Phoronix
  • Evesham Technology FX-62 System – Hexus
  • Intel’s Conroe spanks AMD FX-62’s botty – Hexus
  • NVIDIA nForce 590 MCP – Bjorn3D
  • NVIDIA nForce 500 Preview – techPowerUp!
  • NVIDIA nForce 500 Series Technology Overview – Viper Lair
  • nVIDIA nForce 500 Series Preview – Technic3D
  • SCAN 3XS Athlon 64 FX-62 AM2 system – Hexus
  • Socket AM2: Athlon 64 FX62 , X2 5000+ and nForce 500 Review – AMD Zone
  • Socket AM2: Athlon 64 X2 5000+ – Neoseeker
  • Socket AM2 chipsets collide – Tech Report

Corsair Extends DDR2 Performance Leadership with the Release of the World’s First Ultra Low Latency DDR2-800 CL3 Memory Module

Posted on May 23, 2006 12:13 PM by Rob Williams

Fremont, CA (May 23, 2006) –Corsair® Memory, the worldwide leader in design and manufacture of high performance memory, today unveiled the world’s first DDR2-800 2GB kit rated at true low latency of CL3. The latest addition to the award-winning XMS™ family of products, TWIN2X2048-6400C3 delivers unparalleled memory performance at 800MHz and supports the industry’s lowest latencies of 3-4-3-9 in this speed grade. Featuring Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), a new open memory standard jointly development by Corsair and NVIDIA®, the users can take advantage of the added memory performance characteristics and capabilities when used with an EPP-capable motherboard.

You can read the full press release here.

Novell and NCR Offer Linux on NCR POS Platforms

Posted on May 23, 2006 12:09 PM by Rob Williams

WALTHAM, Mass., and ATLANTA – May 22, 2006 – NCR Corporation and Novell have announced a global agreement to offer Novell® Linux Point of Service on NCR RealPOS* retail point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The agreement between Novell and NCR – one of the world’s largest store automation solution vendors – makes a secure, reliable software platform and hardware combination available for retailers deploying Linux-based POS solutions. NCR’s plans call for offering Novell Linux Point of Service on NCR EasyPoint* kiosks and NCR FastLane* self-checkout in the future.

You can read the full press release here.

AMD Delivers Desktop Product Powerhouse While Reducing Costs For Ecosystem Partners

Posted on May 23, 2006 12:09 PM by Rob Williams

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. – May 23, 2006 – As part of AMD’s ongoing commitment to deliver leading technology for desktop PCs, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the immediate availability of the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 FX-62 dual-core processor, the world’s ultimate processor for PC enthusiasts, and the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 5000+dual-core processor compatible with AMD’s new socket AM2 platform. Socket AM2 from AMD is designed to enable next-generation platform innovations such as AMD Virtualization and high-performance, unbuffered DDR2 memory to the award-winning AMD64 architecture. Additionally, socket AM2 streamlines the work for motherboard manufacturers, while reducing costs through economies of scale, which can provide better products and increase supply chain flexibility.

You can read the full press release here.

Hardware Roundup for May 23

Posted on May 23, 2006 12:08 PM by Rob Williams
    Memory & Storage
  • Icy Dock MB452UK-B USB 2.0 3.5″ External Enclosure – Big Bruin
  • Super Talent T800UX2GC4 PC2-6400 Memory Kit – Legit Reviews
    Motherboards & CPU’s
  • ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 Preview – Phoronix
  • Intel’s Woodcrest processor Preview – Tech Report
    Video Cards & Monitor
  • ASUS EN7800GT Silent Video Card – Motherboards.org
  • Desktop Graphics Card Comparison Guide Rev. 10.7 – Rojak Pot
  • Linux: NVIDIA 1.0-8762 Display Drivers – Phoronix
  • NGO NVIDIA Optimized Driver v1.8466 – NGOHQ
  • Plusdeck2c PC Cassette Deck – Think Computers
  • ViewSonic VA2012w 20.1″ Widescreen Monitor – UK Gamer
    Etcetera & Contests
  • MESH Matrix² CrossFire 1900/1600/1300 systems – Hexus
  • Netgear RangeMAX 240 – Digital Trends
  • Sony Walkman NW-A3000 – BIOS Magazine
  • Sapphire 512MB Ivory Digital Audio Player – Hexus
  • Contest: UKGamer May Giveaway – UK Gamer

AMD Live! and Intel Viiv Demystified

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:48 AM by Rob Williams

In the fight for control of the digital home, Intel and AMD have both introduced their own platforms. At one side stands AMD with Live! and at the other side stands Intel with Viiv. To effectively understand Viiv and Live!, you must realize that both are not exactly technologies. Instead, they are a list of specifications that define the minimum hardware and software requirements a computer needs to be considered either Viiv or Live! compatible.

If you are confused about the differences between Live and Viiv, this is a great article for your reading pleasure. By the time you are done, you will have a good grasp on things.. and feel smarter! Check out the article at Xzentech.

Six 975X Enthusiast Motherboards for Today and Tomorrow

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:44 AM by Rob Williams

There are many motherboards available that are capable of working with both today’s Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors, as well as with the majority of the upcoming Core 2 models. However, please make sure you verify Core 2 support before purchasing a particular motherboard, as it may not coexist well with old motherboard revisions.

For the usual Tom’s in-depth article, head here. They are comparing all of the top i975x motherboards, including my favorite.. the ASUS P5WD2-E. No board really comes out a clear winner, because they all proved quite reliable, which is nice.

Canada Leads the Way in Firefox Usage

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:43 AM by Rob Williams

Canada is leading the way in Firefox internet usage, with 16% of internet users using the popular open source programme. The figures, provided by OneStat show the gradual market increase that Firefox is gaining, with IE accounting for 77.41% in Canada. While Firefox’s popularity grows in Canada and the US it is struggling elsewhere, which brings the global market share of the browser down to just 11.79%, where in the US the share is 12.81%.

As a Canadian, I can only say that I feel proud. Check out the full posting at Neowin.

When Domain Names Sell For $7.5 Million… Watch Out

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:40 AM by Rob Williams

It seems like every few days now there’s some mainstream press article looking at whether there is or there is not a new internet bubble. We won’t come down on one side or the other, but will note one similarity. Following so much domain name speculating, comes the news that the domain name diamond.com has been sold for $7.5 million.

This is incredible, no way around it. Diamonds are expensive, and apparently so is the domain name. Since diamonds are forever though, maybe 7.5 Million will stretch a long way? Check out the full posting at TechDirt.

DisplayPort Receives More Major Industry Support

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:36 AM by Rob Williams

Besides ATI, NVIDIA has also put in its support for DisplayPort. Other consumer electronics companies such Philips and Samsung are also supporting the new standard. DisplayPort, says ATI, will become the next major standard due to its high-bandwidth and low latency capabilities. Technically, DisplayPort takes on some other features of HDMI, which is based on DVI but also has lines to carry a multi-channel audio signal. DisplayPort too will also be able to carry audio as well as a high-bandwidth signal that will be able to display an image with a higher resolution than even dual-link DVI (2560×1600).

It probably won’t be a little while until we actually need to worry about this.. a year at least. It does have some benefits over HDMI though, so it may not be such a waste of time as many are making it out to be. As always, time will tell. Check out the posting at DailyTech.

TSMC Speeds up 45nm Introduction

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:35 AM by Rob Williams

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recently disclosed details on its new 45nm process, with the first one released on the market to be a low-power version. Following the low-power version will be several variations of the technology. TSMC will then move into “risk production” for the low-power version in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Things are moving faster than ever. It shouldn’t be yet a few more years before we start to see 32nm~ in production. Check out the full posting at DailyTech.

Corsair Raises the Bar for Ultra High Performance DDR2 Memory

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:26 AM by Rob Williams

Fremont, CA (May 22, 2006) –Corsair Memory, the worldwide leader in design and manufacture of high performance memory, today announced broad availability of the world’s first production DDR2-1066 and DDR2-800 low latency 2GB kits. The new TWIN2X2048-8500C5 and the TWIN2X2048-6400C4 are optimized for the upcoming NVIDIA nForce® 590 chipset based motherboards and feature Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP).

You can read the full press release here.

Microsoft and AMD Announce & "Pay-As-You-Go" PC Program To Drive Personal Computing In Emerging Markets

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:18 AM by Rob Williams

SEATTLE – MAY 22, 2006 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) today announced an agreement to jointly support flexible business models for emerging markets powered by Microsoft® FlexGo™ technology. The initiative reflects both companies’ efforts to bring affordable access to technology to consumers around the world. At the 2006 Microsoft Windows® Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle, the companies stated their commitment to support the initiative through a pilot program that provides consumers the opportunity to purchase PCs through a combination of innovative technology and a pay-as-you-go computing model. Through the joint development that is underway between AMD and Microsoft, Microsoft’s FlexGo technology will also be incorporated within key AMD microprocessor products.

You can read the full press release here.

E3 2006 EA Booth Tour

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:06 AM by Rob Williams

As you make your way into the massive South Hall in the Los Angeles Convention Center, you’ll see directly up front making a powerful first impression – Electronic Arts. Their booth has a circular shape with a gigantic full 360-degree video screen showing seamlessly connected 360-degree video. Featured within this gigantic booth are many of EA’s fantastic upcoming games, including Crytek’s Crysis, Battlefield 2142, Superman Returns, Madden NFL 07, Spore, etc. Check out this full on tour of the EA booth at the 2006 E3.

Check out the full article at Think Gaming.

Hardware Roundup for May 22

Posted on May 22, 2006 11:05 AM by Rob Williams
    Cooling
  • Zalman VF900-Cu Ultra Quiet Performance VGA Cooler – PC Apex
    Memory & Storage
  • OCZ Ultra-Slim Mini-Kart Flash Drive – CoolTechZone
    Motherboards & CPU’s
  • ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe vs Sapphire PURE Crossfire PC-A9RD580 – Hexus
  • Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe Preview – PC Modding Malaysia
    Video Cards & Monitor
  • Galaxy GeForce 7600 GS GDDR3 – Elite Bastards
  • RivaTuner 2.0 RC16 Released – Guru3D

Heroes of Might and Magic V Review

Posted on May 22, 2006 10:50 AM by Rob Williams

The Game Heroes of Might and Magic V from Ubisoft comes into the Editorship from Technic3D. We will clear in this Review: which everything is new in the 5th. Part?

Check out the full review at Technic3D.

4 CorePad DeskPad XXXL’s Giveaway

Posted on May 21, 2006 12:28 PM by Rob Williams

Virtual-Hideout is giving away 4 of the new CorePad DeskPad XXXL’s this time in their 10th consecutive weekly giveaway, sponsored by our friends over at performance-pcs.com! New contests start every Saturday night and new winners are selected at the same time! Get your hump over there and enter!

Check out the full contest details at Virtual-Hideout.

XTracPads Hybrid Review

Posted on May 21, 2006 12:27 PM by Rob Williams

The XTracPads Hybrid uniquely combines cloth and plastic into a flexible mouse pad that is durable and easy to transport. Sized perfectly for wide screen users, this mouse pad may be the best of both worlds.

Check out the full review over at techFEAR.

Sapphire Demo PC ’06 at Modders-Inc.com

Posted on May 21, 2006 12:18 PM by Rob Williams

If you went to this years E3 there is no doubt that you saw this hand made case by Sheldog23. After creating a special case for Sapphiretech last year they once again asked Sheldog23 to build another for their Water Cooled X1900XTX video cards. Sheldog23 shows us what it took to make this eye-catching case.

This is definitely one of the most unique cases I have ever seen, and is was built in very short time. Head on over to Modders-Inc for the full worklog.

nForce 500 Chat

Posted on May 21, 2006 12:16 PM by Rob Williams

NVIDIA and Bjorn3D will be having a chat on the new nForce 500 chipsets on Tuesday May 23rd launch day. THIS IS A CHIPSET CHAT ONLY no GPU’s!! We will be also talking about the new SLI memory specs and what it means to you the enduser.

If you are interested in checking out the chat, head on over to Bjorn3D for all the details.

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